When the siege erupted in Marawi City, Omairah Tocalo, forty-nine years old and a local of Marawi, is a mother of eight children, fled their home to seek safety. With their hands and pockets completely empty, they traveled by foot for over seven hours to find refuge in Poona Bayabao.
Having lost not only their home but also their primary source of livelihood which was a small sari-sari store in Marawi City, Omairah and her family were left helpless in the transitory shelter and dependent on relief assistance.
In the 4th Kawiyagan held on November 29 in the Marawi City Hall Grounds, Omairah was one of the recipients of a Coffee Vending Machine from the Community and Family Services International (CFSI). This was done through the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP), where CFSI with the support of the Australia DFAT was able to provide families with livelihood items such as carpentry tools, livestock, barber sets, and a side car, to name a few. Through this, Omairah and several others can begin to take larger strides on their road to recovery.
Omairah is just among the several individuals who are now equipped and more able to support their families in economic recovery. She is optimistic and looks forward to growing a small business and improve their overall quality of life.
